Defence key for refreshed Cowboys against Warriors

After missing 110 tackles in their last two matches before their bye last round, which was North Queensland's highest total in a two-game span since 2007, the Cowboys are looking to tighten up.

Payten believes his re-energised side can do that as they welcome back winger Braidon Burns, which shifts Zac Laybutt to the centres.

Purdue, who has been playing in the centres all season, has been thrust into the No.6 jersey for the first time since last August and Liam Sutton moves to the bench.

"He (Purdue) is going to have to make some tackles," Payten said.

"(In training, he's been up against) Mason Kira, he's a fair lump of a kid. We've had Jeremiah (Nanai) over on the other team and John Bateman (against Purdue).

"There's nothing too extraordinary (I want from him) ... He knows he belongs in this grade now."

North Queensland will also welcome back second-rower Nanai, while State of Origin representatives Murray Taulagi, Heilum Luki and Reuben Cotter are expected to back up from Wednesday night's clash at the MCG.

Facing the Warriors won't be an easy task as the Cowboys have lost six of their last eight games against the Kiwis in New Zealand.

But the Warriors enter the clash also in a slump, losing their last two and leaving themselves in danger of dropping out of the top four.

They are hoping their Origin duo in Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell can hit top gear after their midweek match, while star halfback Luke Metcalf has been named on the bench after sustaining a hamstring injury in April.

Coach Andrew Webster is aware the side from Townsville will be out for blood, but also knows his men will have to relish the challenge of playing in the brand new and enclosed One New Zealand Stadium.

"Obviously there won't be any dew or anything like that. The biggest thing you'll find is the Cowboys love to throw the ball around," Webster said.

"They'll enjoy the fast track, but we love good dry conditions so we're fine with that as well."